Though she took only one studio art course at UNC, the vibrancy, sensuality and tactile feel of oil paint left a deep impression. During a long business career in broadcasting, she sporadically studied watercolor. When she retired in 2008, Mary delved seriously into oil painting with Andy Braitman.

Her early paintings focused on atmospheric impressionism to provide a sense of peace and calm. While she still loves creating chromatic neutrals, she is currently working on pushing value, color and the excitement of mark-making through varied applications, additions and subtractions of paint, and pure color notes.

In addition to ongoing work with Andy Braitman, Mary has studied with Curt Butler, Susan Matthews, Roger Dale Brown, Miriam Durkin, Don Andrews and the late Shelly Bechtel Shepherd.

She is currently a working artist and oil painting instructor at Braitman Studio in Charlotte and Butler Studio in Gastonia. She loves helping students discover the possibilities in who they are and what they can contribute through the creative self-expression and joy of oil painting.

Ian Wegener B.F.A - Teen Instructor

Starting with teaching art classes at Mountain Pathways Montessori School in Boone, NC directly after graduating from Appalachian State University, Ian has continued to work as an artist and teacher for almost 10 years now. Over these years, he has brought his creative energy manifesting in many different mediums with ideas stemming from his own unique work as an artist. Through a variety of mediums, Ian is harnessing a visual language that speaks a sustainable language.

Kate received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting from Radford University in 2011. After Radford, she moved to Charlotte to pursue a career as a professional artist. Kate has developed her personal career as the Program Director and Lead Instructor at Holt School of Fine Art. Kate Stewart is a resident artist at the Dilworth Artisan Station in Charlotte, NC.